Mississippi Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Program

Deer Island,
Biloxi, Mississippi

The Mississippi Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Project is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resource Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) and The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. This project involves members of the community in the removal of debris from Deer Island and creates an educated cadre of citizens to better understand the importance of marine debris prevention. We will be cleaning up four, half-mile long sites on Deer Island over a period of three years.

We need your help to restore and conserve our islands and to educate others of the importance of proper trash disposal. The Mississippi Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Project will foster community involvement in the prevention and remediation of litter threatening Mississippi’s marine habitats. We need volunteers of all ages to participate to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the importance of ocean sciences, conservation and technologies. Those participants will foster awareness to others and will lead to a cleaner earth for future generations.

How can I contribute?

Spread the word about the marine trash tragedy! Talk to others about the benefits of participating in the CIAP Marine Debris clean-up project, or any trash removal program. If there isn’t one already, start a local trash clean-up in your area. Keep in mind that no matter how far away from the ocean you live, “It’s all downstream from here.”

What can you do to help? Dare to care beyond convenience. Be a part of the pollution solution.

Dispose of Trash Properly.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Reduce Waste

Don’t buy products with excessive packaging.

Say “No thanks.” to plastic bags.

Reuse

Shop with reusable shopping bags.

Use BPA-free reusable water bottles.

Make crafts out of no longer used products.

Recycle

Check with your local recycling center for a list of accepted items.

Check with your local energy providers for more information on the recycling of light bulbs and electronic devices.

Locate or start a coastal clean-up in your area.

Spread the word.

Take small steps towards a cleaner future.

For questions about this program or for information on how you can get involved, please email Becca Mathias, Marine Education Specialist.

Marine Debris Blog

Teacher Workshop

There will be a teacher workshop held at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Marine Education Center July 5-6, 2012 for middle and high school teachers. Participating teachers will learn about marine debris and its harmful effects on our coastal habitats and its inhabitants, take a trip to Deer Island to remove debris, and agree to bring back a group of students to take part in a similar program. There is no cost involved in the workshop unless you wish to receive CEUs which are available.